Xiapu Photosafari from 29th July to 4th August 2023

Introduction

Xiapu, located in the Fujian province of China, is a breathtaking photography destination that captivates visitors with its unique landscapes and traditional way of life. Known as the “most charming fishing village in China,” Xiapu offers photographers a treasure trove of picturesque scenes that encompass rugged coastlines, expansive mudflats, fishing boats, and ancient rural villages.

One of the highlights of Xiapu is its vast tidal mudflats, which stretch along the coast for over 400 square kilometers. These mudflats reveal themselves during low tide, creating an otherworldly landscape of exposed seaweed-covered rocks, scattered fishing nets, and meandering waterways. The interplay of light and shadow during sunrise and sunset adds a touch of magic to the already stunning scenery.

Photographers are drawn to Xiapu for its famous “sea of clouds” phenomenon. During certain times of the year, the combination of cool air currents and warm ocean temperatures creates a thick layer of mist that hovers over the mudflats, resembling a surreal sea of clouds. This ethereal atmosphere provides a unique backdrop for landscape photography, offering an otherworldly ambiance that is truly mesmerizing.

In addition to the mudflats, Xiapu is home to a series of charming fishing villages that seem frozen in time. These villages, with their traditional architecture, wooden stilt houses, and vibrant fishing culture, provide an excellent opportunity for capturing the essence of rural Chinese life. As you stroll through the narrow lanes and observe the locals engaged in their daily activities, you’ll find endless subjects for your lens, from weathered faces of fishermen to colorful fishing boats resting on the shores.

The nearby mountains and forests surrounding Xiapu offer yet another dimension to the photography experience. With lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and ancient temples nestled amidst the verdant landscape, nature enthusiasts and landscape photographers will find ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the region.

In conclusion, Xiapu, China is a photography destination that is made for photographers. You will expect many scenes at various photography locations that are enacted to enhanced the photography experience. Whether you are a landscape enthusiast, a documentary photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the charm of rural China, Xiapu will undoubtedly leave you with a memory card full of unforgettable images.

Lodging

We will be staying five nights at local 5-star hotel in Xiapu and 1 night at 4-star hotel at Xiamen.

Difficulty of trip

This trip is easy. Our transport will bring us to the doorstep of the shooting locations. However, you will need to walk around the towns and places of interest.

How to get there?

You can take a direct flight from KL to Xiamen via Xiamen Airlines or a cheaper one stop flight via Philippines Airlines.

Tourist Visa

You need a Chinese tourist visa to visit China. We provide the necessary documents needed for the application of the Chinese Visa

Covid – Health Entry Requirements

Entry requirements may be subject to change at short notice. You should also check the requirements with your airline. At the present moment, a certified PCR or ART is not needed, however you will need to show your vaccination certificates.

Itinerary

Dates	Itinerary	Meals
29^th July	Arrive at Xiamen. Meet at airport and proceed to high-speed train station for trip to Xiapu at 17:01. Check in Hotel in Xiapu	None
30^th July	AM- Drive to Huazhu to view sunrise as well as the Fuyao Islands. It is said sunrise here is the most beautiful. After that we travel to Yang Jia Xi to visit the ancient banyan trees where we’ll arrange scene of an old man’s passing by, with a bull led by him with a smoke in the background. Also She (ethnic group) lady’s carrying water. PM: Drive to Xia Qingshan Bridge to visit a fishing village and photography the sunset. Witness local fishermen and their families live and their fishing boats. They are regarded as “marine gypsy”. If the time is right, we may see family members hanging oysters onto the rack.	B, L, D.
31^st July	AM: Sunrise photography in Beidou. There will be local women folk working on the beach. Then we drive to Shajiang beach to view local people who are collecting giant kelp(can be seen in April,May and June). PM: View fishermen casting their nets. Sunset photography in Dongbi beach.	B, L, D
1^st August	AM: Drive to the “steamed bread hills” sunrise at Weijiang village. Then we will visit a seafood farm (most are sea cucumbers and sea-ears) PM; Visit a local She ethnic village to see local people enjoying their lives. The “She” group is an ancient ethnic group in China. Their origin is in Chaozhou of Canton. Over 90% of them live in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces. They speak in a language similar to Hakka.	B, L, D
2^nd August	AM: Visit Ewan, a mangrove forest. then we drive to Nanwan to shoot small scoop nets on the beach. PM: Sunset at Xiaohao beach,where fishermen are on their way home with nets on shoulders.	B, L, D
3^rd August	AM: We visit Beiqi for shoot sunrise we will be photographing local fishermen at work here. PM: Visit sand beach in Xiaohao. Fresh water from mountains that look like the arteries on the beach. Finally, transfer to the railway station for train back to Xiamen by D3217(20:09-22:41). This is the last daily train. Check-in hotel at Xiamen	B, L, D
4^th August	Check-out hotel and transfer to Xiamen Airport	B